UPDATE: McDonald’s has just announced the removal of its AI-generated Christmas advertisement following intense backlash from viewers worldwide. The controversial video, uploaded on December 6, 2023, to the McDonald’s Netherlands YouTube channel, was met with immediate criticism, leading to its deletion just three days later.
The ad, which featured a choir singing Christmas carols outside a McDonald’s, aimed to explore the “bad side” of the holiday season. However, it quickly sparked outrage for its unsettling portrayal of Christmas, filled with scenes of bad weather, awful traffic, and unfortunate accidents, all set to a twisted version of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Many viewers described the ad as “creepy” and “soulless,” prompting widespread condemnation across social media platforms.
The backlash escalated when the production company, The Sweetshop, defended their work in a now-removed statement. CEO Melanie Bridge claimed that the ad was crafted with intention by a team of in-house AI specialists who worked tirelessly for seven weeks. She characterized the output as a “high-craft production,” rather than merely an “AI trick,” and argued that it represented a significant intersection of technology and creativity.
Despite these defenses, the internet erupted with criticism, with many users labeling the ad as “the most god-awful ad I’ve seen this year.” Critics noted its bizarre animations and an unsettling aesthetic that veered into the uncanny valley. The clear message that Christmas is miserable unless celebrated at McDonald’s did little to quell the anger.
The fallout from this incident marks a significant moment in advertising, particularly as major brands like Coca-Cola and Disney have also ventured into the realm of AI-generated content. Coca-Cola’s prior attempts at AI-driven holiday ads faced similar scrutiny, highlighting a growing concern about the authenticity and emotional resonance of AI in media.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on McDonald’s and The Sweetshop. Will they rethink their approach to AI in advertising, or will this ad serve as a cautionary tale for future campaigns? The removal of the Christmas ad sets a precedent for the use of AI in creative industries, prompting questions about authenticity, human connection, and the line between innovation and exploitation.
For now, McDonald’s has confirmed the ad’s removal, but the conversation around AI-generated content and its implications continues to heat up. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
